TA Performance Stage II heads

[Austrian455]

Has anyone built a real high performance engine.

I´d like to build a nice 494 cui stroker with stage II aluminium heads, cr11:1 forged pistons, and everything else a engine needs to get my Centurion running high 11 s or 12 s.

Can anyone tell me if the TA stuff can proove what it promises and if it´s worth it´s money.

To all Buick 455 guys: What setup would you build for a 12 sec centurion, and where would you buy the stuff?

I´ve got about 12.000 dollars for the engine.

[MichelHaak]

12.000 wow!

You should visit v8buick.com Some of the guys out there are pushing 700 hp + out of their 455 engines!

[EEE]

Get an account at v8buick.com and they'll guide you through what's needed.

[centurion 455 ragtop]

First off I would reach out to Adam Martin or Nick Rabbi on this site. Right now Adam should be on his way home from buying another Centurion:Dou: Both these guy's Centurions runs some impressive numbers. Also on the V8 Board or the http://www.buickperformancegroup.com/forums/ reach out to a guy called Yardley. He runs a 69 Riviera full body I think he is in the 11's with this car on some mild work.

A strong short block and good heads. For you I would say no need to pump out over 700 hp. A strong 600-650 hp engine should be well enough and most likely will last a long time. Good choice on a 494. Did that with my race engine you see below.

1. Run forged replacement pistons.
2. DO NOT bore the block past .040 over. If you do, you run risk on cracking a cylinder and your car will forever run very hot.
3. Use a factory crank, have it nitrated for strength. No need for fancy forged steel cranks. I would have it cross drilled for better oiling.
4. If you plan on driving this mostly on the street use a strong hydraulic cam, no need for a solid. There are plenty of grinds out there that can do the job.
5. TA Heads are the choice. If you use the Stage 2 TA, SE heads you will need an intake to fit it along with different headers. Keep in mind that Stage 1 TE, and SE heads can work well too. My GS455 which runs 9.20's in the quarter mile has Stage 1 TE heads from TA, with extensive porting. $$$
6. If you estimate close to 600-650 hp I would pass on the 455 block girdle and lifter bore girdle. Both these pieces installed can cost you well over two thousand dollars. At around 600 hp I would not consider them at all.
7. HUGE and MOST IMPORTANT. MAKE SURE THE MACHINE SHOP YOU ARE USING KNOWS BUICK ENGINES. Most you will find specialize on Chevies and a Buick race engine cannot and should not be built like a Chevy. It will not last! This my friend is fact. Also have the block alligned honed and when bored ask them to use a deck plate. Tid Bit. If you go .040 over on the bore, I am pretty certain (mopar) chrysler size pistons are used. So there is no need to buy these from TA, this will save you some money.
8. Amost forgot, get new rod bolts from ARP and also from TA get the main stud kits. I think TA sells the rod studs. Highly recommended for added strength.

As far as TA, I would say yes they have great products. Oh almost forgot I use to race with factory iron Stage 1 heads with my GS and ran in the high 9's. So if you have a great head guy that can do a really good porting job, you may save yourself money and run the steal heads. Just another avenue you can take.

For you to order TA parts, I would say yes to the heads. Either the Stage 1 TE, SE or the Stage 2 SE or TE heads. The Stage 2's may be a little more costly. I would also get a cam, lifters, pushrods and the roller rockers, oil pump, intake and headers, gaskets from TA. No need to change your rods. Stock rods will do if they are shot peened and magnafluxed. I would keep it under 6,000 rpm's. There are plenty of guys with stock bottom ends running some great numbers. Just as long as you keep it under 6,000 rpm's if it's built right it should run for a long time. I would think everything else you should be able to get down there.

I would say you can do it for under 12 thousand. My race engine below when it dynoed 780 hp at 7,000 rpm's and 655 torque at 5500 rpm's. My new one should be ready this Spring and should be over the 800 hp mark. Good luck and welcome to the site!

[Smartin]

Yardley's in the low 13's, but could squeak into the 12's if he picked the right carb:D

[Brad Conley]

Yardley's in the low 13's, but could squeak into the 12's if he picked the right carb:D

...or if he didn't throw away a good carb. :laugh: :laugh: